Thank You and Good Night – Marlon Brando

There are people clustered at the door right as Maddie’s opens, a good sign that we’ll be moving some animals out. School’s out and lots of families want to bring home a kitten.

First lull, I meet a big loveable boy named Marlon Brando. He’s quite striking, a tabby and white with broad lengthwise stripes down his back. He’s lounging, half hidden at first, and a bit shy, but soon hops out to be petted, circling and rubbing firmly across my back. After a bite to eat, he reclines onto his back, paws curled, head nuzzling my hand, content.

Next door, another Love Bug named Pumpkin meows for attention. She’s a sweet and chatty little tabby, still wearing a big blue collar from recent surgery. Her face is adorable, wide eyed and goofy, and she chats up anyone she sees in the hall. She’s not loving the collar though, and keeps rubbing her head on things to loosen it. It gets people’s attention at least.

I spend awhile with a young couple who want a kitten to go with their active cat at home. We check out several, spending a good amount of interaction time with each. The pair murmur their preferences to each other, in no hurry to decide and eager to find the perfect match. Another woman and friend are kitten shopping, carefully reading each kennel card before even deciding who to meet.

The kittens are feisty, fuzzy and hilarious, each cuter than the last. Still, I’m glad to take a break with a grown up gentle lap boy, 3 year old gray and white Ernest. He’s a slender big headed lover, a former outdoor tough guy who now loves a warm lap. Ernest is FIV+ and needs to be inside and away from other cats, but he’ll make his new lucky people a wonderful companion.

In hallway 3, I’m happy to see that shy little Star has emerged from hiding and is curled comfortably where people can see her. Instead of cowering, she relaxes into my hand as I pet her. And I’m thrilled there’s an adoption pending sign on senior calico Zoey’s condo.

It strikes me again what a complex system we have here. I appreciate the team effort by so many over so long that enables these eventual happy endings. These aren’t designer kitties or special breeds or perfect specimens, just everyday cats. But every one unique, every one deserving of a good home. It’s nice to be part of the process.

I’ll still be volunteering, but taking a summer sabbatical from the blog. Check here http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats for your cat pix fix!

Tell Me All About It – Peaches

First thing I notice checking in at Maddie’s is Moey’s kennel card showing he’s been adopted – yay! Otherwise, it’s primarily been kittens arriving and departing the adoption floor.

I see a familiar looking woman, and she confirms she’s been by several times, seeking the right companion for her frisky young cat. She says when she comes home from work, he’s loaded with pent up energy and practically asking for someone to play with. Cheerful new kitty Henry seems to fit the bill, though I point out a couple other possibilities as well.

My attention is next absolutely arrested by magnificent Augustus, a massive, handsome, hug-able, tabby and white fellow. He’s got a commanding presence; I’m compelled to meet him. He talks a lot – he seems to be anxiously looking for his people and wants to tell me about it in detail.

A young couple ask to meet him. The woman is looking for an interactive cat, and they’re both charmed by the big guy (as are people passing in the hall). I offer my usual caution about how cats may act differently at home than they do at the shelter. But it’s clear to all of us that this is an active cat with a lot to say. We go meet a few other cats, then she wants to visit Augustus again. The woman’s not sure, but I’ll be surprised if he’s still here by next week.

Meantime, sweet older tortie girl Peaches is doing her best to flag down passers by. She’s a friendly and lap-loving tortie senior kitty, who’s lithe and active for her age. Peaches is a good physical communicator who will easily and clearly make her wishes known. Today’s agenda: cuddles and laps. I hang out with her for a little longer, hoping to make up for the upcoming holiday noises that I know all the cats find stressful. Hoping she’ll understand me telling her she’s a good good girl.